Them!
Eco horror is a genre that has been featured in numerous written media sources, as well as various films and visual media that showcase its impact on society. The movie Them! directed by Gordon Douglas in 1954 starts with two sergeants investigating a series of mysterious deaths. After joining forces with the FBI, the sergeants discover that all the incidents are due to giant ants that have been mutated by atomic radiation. The two sergeants, with the aid of the military, attempt to find the queen ant and destroy the nests before the danger spreads. The complex and interesting plot of Them! stems from significant events in society.
The influence of the first and second atomic bombs in Japan impacted the world in numerous ways, including society, works of literature, and even the media. The eco-horror genre in particular was also affected, in this case through films. These films that arose from this “atomic” influence derived from the same source, yet there were clear and important cultural differences in them as well.
The eco horror genre in film was heavily influenced by the events surrounding the development and use of nuclear energy and radiation in the 1950s. These films were created to raise awareness and suspicion about this new technology and its potential long-term effects. Additionally, cultural differences between the East and West were also reflected in these films. These differences in perspectives are evident in the way that the monsters were portrayed and how they were perceived by audiences. Overall, the eco horror genre in film has had a significant impact on society's understanding and perception of nuclear energy and radiation.
